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The Pro Football Hall of Fame issued a warning to its selection committee Wednesday following the uproar over Bill Belichick being left out of the 2026 class as a first-time inductee.
The eight-time Super Bowl champion coach’s rejection, which ESPN first reported, also sparked speculation about which media members decided not to vote for him on the first ballot.
The finger was pointed at former NFL executive Bill Polian, but he confirmed that he did indeed vote for Belichick.
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New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 4, 2018. (Winslow Townson/USA Today Sports)
The question prompted a statement from the Hall of Fame.
“The Pro Football Hall of Fame understands and respects the passionate reaction of many fans, members of the media and anchors of the Hall itself in light of published reports of the voting results for the Class of 2026,” Hallen said. “It is precisely that passion that drives the game forward.
“The Hall also respects the members of the selection committee when they follow the bylaws of the selection process. It is an honor to serve as a selector. Every year the hall reviews the selection process and the composition of the 50-person selection committee. If it is determined that one or more members have violated the bylaws of the selection process, they understand that action will be taken.
Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick spoke to the media at Gillette Stadium about his departure. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
TOM BRADY CONFUSED THAT BILL BELICHICK DIDN’T MAKE HALL OF FAME ON FIRST BALLOT
“That could include the possibility that such electors would not remain a member of the committee going forward. The selection of a new class is the most important duty the Hall of Fame oversees each year, and the integrity of that process cannot be questioned.”
The inductees will be revealed during the Super Bowl LX festivities next week.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady talks with head coach Bill Belichick before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2016. (Robert Deutsch/USA Today Sports)
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Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was also reportedly left off the list of inductees despite winning two Super Bowl titles and finishing in the top 10 in key statistical categories when he retired.
